Retraction and Correction

The Elementary Journal (TEJ) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern may be necessary when errors or ethical issues are identified in published articles. All cases are handled carefully, fairly, and transparently, following recognized publication ethics principles, including the guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and its Retraction Guidelines.

Corrections

A correction may be published when an error is identified in a published article and the error does not invalidate the overall findings or conclusions of the research. Examples include errors in author details, affiliations, acknowledgments, tables, figures, or other information that may affect the clarity or accuracy of the article.

Requests for corrections may be submitted by authors, editors, readers, or other relevant parties. The editorial team will assess the nature and significance of the reported error and determine whether a formal correction is necessary.

When a correction is approved, TEJ will publish a correction notice describing the error and the changes made. The notice will be linked to the original article to maintain transparency and preserve the publication record. The original article may be updated where appropriate, with a clear indication that a correction has been made.

Retractions

A retraction may be issued when an article is found to contain serious problems that undermine the reliability of its findings or violate fundamental principles of publication ethics. Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

  • Evidence of data fabrication or falsification.

  • Plagiarism or substantial unattributed duplication.

  • Serious errors that invalidate the research findings or conclusions.

  • Unethical research practices or failure to obtain required ethical approval or consent.

  • Duplicate publication that materially misrepresents the originality of the work.

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest that substantially compromise the integrity of the research.

  • Other forms of serious research or publication misconduct.

A retraction may be initiated by the authors, the editor, the publisher, or another party who provides credible evidence of a concern. The editorial team will assess the available evidence, seek clarification from the authors when appropriate, and consult relevant experts or institutions if necessary.

The decision to retract an article will be based on the evidence and the seriousness of the concern. Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record rather than to punish authors.

When an article is retracted, TEJ will publish a clear retraction notice explaining the reason for the retraction. The notice will be linked to the original article, and the original article will remain accessible where appropriate, clearly marked as retracted. The journal will not remove a published article from the scholarly record except where removal is required by legal obligations or exceptional circumstances.

Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be published when credible questions arise regarding the reliability, integrity, or ethical compliance of a published article, but the available evidence is insufficient to make a final decision.

The editorial team may issue an expression of concern while further investigation is conducted. The notice will explain the nature of the concern to the extent that can be disclosed appropriately. Once the investigation is concluded, TEJ may take further action, including issuing a correction, retracting the article, or closing the case without further action.

Investigation and Decision-Making

All allegations concerning errors or publication misconduct will be assessed impartially and confidentially. TEJ may request supporting evidence or explanations from the authors and, where appropriate, consult reviewers, institutions, research ethics committees, or other relevant parties.

Authors will normally be given an opportunity to respond to concerns before a final decision is made, unless circumstances require immediate action to protect the integrity of the scholarly record. Failure to respond does not prevent the journal from proceeding on the basis of the available evidence.

Editorial decisions will be made independently and based on the evidence, the journal's publication ethics policies, and applicable ethical standards. The journal will document relevant decisions and communicate the outcome to the parties concerned where appropriate.

Author Responsibilities

Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of their published work. If authors discover a significant error or inaccuracy in their article, they must promptly notify the editorial team and cooperate in the investigation and correction process.

Authors are expected to provide accurate information, respond to reasonable requests for clarification, and assist the journal in resolving concerns that may affect the reliability of the published record.

Editorial and Publisher Responsibilities

The editor and publisher are responsible for taking appropriate action when credible evidence indicates that a published article requires correction, retraction, or an expression of concern. Such decisions will be made with due consideration for fairness, confidentiality, transparency, and the preservation of the scholarly record.

TEJ will apply these procedures consistently, regardless of the authors' institutional affiliation, professional status, or other personal characteristics.

This policy may be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving standards in scholarly publishing and publication ethics.